GLOUCESTER City have signed Rob Aldrich from Herefordshire outfit Pegasus Juniors.

The versatile 23-year-old joins the squad from the Hellenic side ahead of a busy Christmas match schedule.

Weather permitting the Tigers will face Redditch twice and welcome Solihull Moors to the Corinium Stadium in the nearest they will get to local derbies this season.

Manager Dave Mehew said Aldrich will providing vital cover for his back line who have been struggling for fitness in recent weeks.

He said: "Rob is a big six footer, in the Jack Harris mould.

"He is a utility player and can play everywhere across the back four.

"We have these ongoing problems with Tom Hamblin and Marc Richards and their ankles and the Hartpury issue with James Baldwin so Rob can provide cover there.

"He will also provide a bit of competition for the two full backs. He wants to see if he can do it at a higher level and I think he can."

Aldrich has already faced Blue Square North competition in the form of Telford Utd who defeated Pegasus in the FA Cup in October.

He also has footballing pedigree, his grandfather played for Wolves.

With Nelson Monhoun set to join Salisbury full-time, Mehew said the arrival of Aldrich could not have come at a better time.

He said: "He has already played against Telford and is keen to give it a go."